A state of emergency has been declared throughout the Canterbury region of New Zealand as a result of heavy rains and resulting flooding.
Evacuations have been declared in the county of Waimakariri. Areas of the Waimakariri River and Ashley Rakahuri Regional Parks have been closed, as have dozens of roads throughout the region. Emergency crews are conducting rescue operations, including by helicopter.
More than 300 mm of rain has fallen in some areas since May 29, 2021. More rain is predicted, and the New Zealand Weather Service has issued a “red rain warning” that will last through the afternoon of May 31, 2021.
In Waimakariri County, immediate evacuation notices have been issued for areas near the flooded Aire and Ashley Rivers after the county council warned on May 30, 2021 that barriers (embankments or levees) along the rivers were in danger of collapse.
